The former Sacred Heart Convent in Vivian St will be auctioned on May 20, after having been in the hands of US businessman Gabriel Sheridan for about 15 years.

LJ Hooker Inverell principal Miles Devlin said he thought the selling price had been about $240,000 back then, but it was hard to say what it would fetch today.

However, he said it was an estate auction on behalf of Mr Sheridan’s family overseas, so it would be “a genuine sale”.

“It’s a very unusual case; normally I’d be able to give some sort of guide to the price, but there’s no other convents in Inverell, so all I can say is it’s a genuine sale and the seller has no intention to keep the property,” Mr Devlin said.

The property comprises the ex-Sisters of Mercy convent building – which was later used as accommodation for people with disabilities – and the caretaker’s residence next door, which has been rented.

Both properties are heritage-listed and zoned B2, a “local centre” zoning that allows for “a range of retail, business, entertainment and community uses”. Both need restoration and sit on a block of about 2615 sq m.

Inverell Shire Council general manager Paul Henry said the property had the last original Catholic structures in that location; others such as the original church had been demolished.

“It certainly has significant linkages to Inverell’s history and, if it is sold and re-purposed, clearly it could make a new contribution,” Mr Henry said.

“The zoning does permit a multitude of potential uses, so it would certainly be a site that would be right for redevelopment. Whether the intended use by a purchaser is public or private use, the contribution to the life of Inverell would be significant.”

The council has recently secured funding for a heritage adviser to visit Inverell regularly, to assess building applications, visit heritage sites, and provide advice to property owners and builders.

​“His services would be available to any potential purchaser to co-ordinate the intended use with the requirements of the heritage listing,” Mr Henry said.

The main building is a double-brick, two-storey building with eight bedrooms, two formal dining rooms, a formal lounge/music room, sitting room and library.

The residence is also double-brick and two storeys, and has three bedrooms.